At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic merchandising projects and ensure successful delivery across Sysco GB.
- Company: Join Sysco GB, a leading foodservice business with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car allowance, generous holiday, and discounts on food and entertainment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career progression and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced FMCG environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within FMCG or retail, strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
As Merchandising Programme Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving the successful delivery of strategic merchandising and procurement initiatives across Sysco GB. Working within a fast-paced FMCG environment, you will provide the structure, governance, and oversight needed to ensure a diverse portfolio of projects and transformation activities are aligned to business priorities and delivered effectively.
This role sits at the heart of the Merchandising function, partnering with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to coordinate complex programmes, manage interdependencies, and provide meaningful reporting and insights that support decision-making. You will bring clarity to multiple workstreams, ensuring stakeholders remain aligned, risks are proactively managed, and change is successfully embedded across the business.
We are offering a hybrid working contract, and you will be required to work in the Ashford, Kent office once per week, so you must live within a commutable distance. Occasional travel to other offices may be required.
About You
You are an experienced Programme or Project Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex initiatives within an FMCG, retail, procurement, or commercial environment. Highly organised and commercially astute, you are comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining a clear focus on delivery, governance, and business outcomes.
A skilled stakeholder manager, you have experience influencing and engaging senior leaders across a matrix organisation, building strong relationships and driving alignment across diverse teams. You are confident operating at both a strategic and operational level, translating business objectives into actionable plans and ensuring projects remain on track.
You possess strong reporting and analytical skills, with the ability to transform complex information into clear, concise insights that support effective decision-making. Combined with excellent communication skills, you can challenge constructively, manage competing priorities, and bring people together to achieve shared objectives.
Experience working closely with merchandising, procurement, category management, commercial, or supply chain functions would be highly advantageous, as would a background in leading business change, transformation, or continuous improvement programmes within a large-scale FMCG environment.
What you’ll receive:
- A competitive salary
- Company car allowance of £7,000 or Company Car
- Eligible for company bonus scheme
- Generous holiday allowance, with option to purchase 5 additional holiday days
- Pension scheme
- Hybrid working contract
- Huge discounts on all sorts of lovely food and award-winning products through our staff shop
- Discounts on Cinema tickets, shopping and earn cashback on purchases through Sodexo.
- Recognition awards and Incentives
- Career progression opportunities - being part of Sysco group, the world’s leading foodservice business, opens up a world of possibility
Additional Information
At Sysco GB everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’ we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Sysco GB and we recognise that Sysco GB can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.
Merchandising Programme Manager in Ashford employer: Sysco GB
Brakes is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and inclusivity, making it a fantastic place for an Area Sales Manager to thrive. With a competitive salary, uncapped bonus potential, and a home-based contract, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and encourages personal development through various learning programmes. Join us in our mission to connect the world through food while being part of a team that celebrates your unique talents and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Programme Manager in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Merchandising Programme Manager at Sysco GB!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Sysco GB or be willing to refer you for that Merchandising Programme Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Sysco GB who’s on the lookout for their next Merchandising Programme Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Merchandising Programme Manager role at Sysco GB!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising Programme Manager in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Sysco GB. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sysco GB
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Sysco GB. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
